Compact Planar Beamformer Using Multiple Continuous Parallel-Plate Waveguide Delay Lenses

A compact planar beamformer using multiple shaped continuous parallel-plate waveguide delay lenses is proposed in this letter. The original design, based on a single-shaped lens, had demonstrated excellent scanning properties over the portion of $K_{a}$ -band allocated to uplink satcom (27.5–31 GHz). However, its height, due transversal ridge and cavity, was limiting use more advanced antenna systems. design methodology here achieve similar focusing while reducing significantly beamformer’s height. specific with height reduced by factor three when compared design. reduction longitudinal dimension also introducing two additional straight ridges cavities. prototype manufactured tested successfully, RF performance those reference besides slightly higher insertion losses. This enables stack produce dimensional (2-D) beamforming.